Shooting and Crying: Israeli Soldiers After Their Service

Israeli soldiers and relatives mourn during the funeral of Staff Sgt. Moshe Naftali, who was killed in an attack by militants on Thursday, at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Aug. 19, 2011. (Photo: Rina Castelnuovo/The New York Times)

"Shooting and crying" is a phrase popular in Israel regarding soldiers and their engagement with civilian life following combat. In this short film, former Israeli soldiers reflect on their service and reintegration into society following their experiences serving in the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. From attempting to break their "violent instincts" to grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), from escapism to apathy, the realities of soldiering in an occupying army are explored from the point of view of those who have been there and didn't like what they saw.

Shooting and Crying: Israeli Soldiers After Their Service

Israeli soldiers and relatives mourn during the funeral of Staff Sgt. Moshe Naftali, who was killed in an attack by militants on Thursday, at Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, Aug. 19, 2011. (Photo: Rina Castelnuovo/The New York Times)

"Shooting and crying" is a phrase popular in Israel regarding soldiers and their engagement with civilian life following combat. In this short film, former Israeli soldiers reflect on their service and reintegration into society following their experiences serving in the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. From attempting to break their "violent instincts" to grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), from escapism to apathy, the realities of soldiering in an occupying army are explored from the point of view of those who have been there and didn't like what they saw.